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Films of the fifty states: Alaska to California
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Each of America's fifty states has a unique story to it and from these states have come unique stories in film. Every state in the union has been the setting for at least one film, using that states natural beauty, characteristics, people, or history in some aspect of the film. Using five states each entry, I want to cover how each of the fifty states has been instrumental in bringing various films to life.
Alaska
Either Alaska or space is the "Final Frontier," and both have brought us some incredible films. In Mystery, Alaska the small town becomes the subject of a national televised event when their 
Emile Hirsch in Into the Wildlocal amateur hockey team accepts a request to play the professional New York Rangers. Because of the attention now being focused on the town, local residents must band together despite their differences. Including the talents of Russell Crowe, Hank Azaria, Mary McCormack, Burt Reynolds, and Mike Myers, the film is a good sports movie about underdogs and small town life.
Emile Hirsch in Into the Wild
Into the Wild is another Alaskan tale, based on the book by Jon Krakauer and written and directed by Sean Penn. Based on a true tale of self-discovery, Christopher McCandless (Emile Hirsch) a recent graduate from a prestigious university gives up everything he owns to hitchhike to Alaska and live in the wilderness. Also starring Marcia Gay Harden, William Hurt, Jena Malone, Vince Vaughn, and Kristen Stewart, the film is filled with unforgettable characters. Filmed largely in Alaska, the film crew took four trips to the state to capture it during the changing seasons.
Another Alaskan flick, in 30 Days of Night, vampires take advantage of Alaska's month long darkness to prey on the blood of the living - no joke. Because of the town's isolation, it is up to the Sherrif (Josh Hartnett) and his wife (Melissa George)to help protect the survivors of their town from vicious attack. A sequel to the film is currently in talks to be released in 2010.
Alabama
According to film at least, Alabama is a state filled with some kooky characters, great stories, and tons of lessons and surprises about life. Based on the book by Fannie Flagg, Fried Green Tomatoes is a story about a lonely housewife who 
Griffith stars as Lucille Vinsonbefriends an ailing woman in a nursing home, sharing humorous stories about her life. With the acting talents of Kathy Bates, Mary Stuart Masterson, Mary-Louise Parker, and Jessica Tandy, this film has become a Southern classic.
Griffith stars as Lucille Vinson
My Cousin Vinny is the tale of a street-smart New York hack lawyer (Joe Pesci) who must help defend his cousin (Ralph Macchio) who is wrongly accused of murder while on vacation in Alabama. On the way, Vinny deals with commitment issues with his girlfriend (Marisa Tomei), who must help him solve the case. Throughout his adventures in the eponymous Forrest Gump, Forrest (Tom Hanks) spends much time growing up in and returning to his hometown in Alabama.
Starring Reese Witherspoon, Sweet Home Alabama is the town of a small-town Alabama girl who has risen to the top as a New York fashion designer when her seemingly forgotten past threatens to bring it all down. When she returns home, it is up to Melanie to figure out what she really wants for herself and settle the issues of her past. In Crazy in Alabama, Melanie Griffith portrays Lucille Vinson, an abused housewife who snaps, kills her husband, and travels across the country to Hollywood to fulfill a life long dream of becoming a movie star. In a parallel plotline, Lucille's nephew Peejoe (Lucas Black) must deal with a pig-headed, racist sheriff (Meat Loaf )who he witnessed murder a young black boy.
Arizona
The land of the Grand Canyon, Arizona is home to some remarkable scenery, making it no wonder that filmmakers want to set
One of the first Coen Brothers films.
In Pump Up the Volume, hard-headed Easterner Harry (Christian Slater) moves to Arizona and uses his shortwave radio to set up an illegal radio broadcast, speaking his mind, fueling hate against a local principal and making his listeners become absolute devotees. The Coen Brothers' film Raising Arizona is the story of a childless couple, ex-con (Nicolas Cage) and ex-cop (Holly Hunter), who decide to steal one of local quintuplets to raise as their own. The couple bites off more than they can chew, making for a hilarious story of various characters trying to nab the baby. Other cast members include John Goodman, Frances McDormand, and William Forsythe.
Arkansas
Home of Wal-Mart and the Ozarks, Arkansas has also become the backdrop for many films. The mockumentary drama The Legend of Boggy Creek is the tale of a monster who may or may not be living in a local body of water. Made in 1972, the film 
Andy Griffith stars in the music drama.was a considerable hit at drive-ins when it was released and was based on actual local folklore as well as reported sightings of a Bigfoot type creature in Arkansas' Fouke-Boogy Creek. 1957's A Face in the Crowd tracks the story of an Arkansas hobo (Andy Griffith) goes from being drunk in a back country jail to being an overnight media sensation and superstar. Also appearing are Patricia Neal, Walter Matthau, Anthony Franciosa, Burl Ives, Rip Torn, and Charles Nelson Reilly.
Andy Griffith stars in the music drama.
Slingblade is the 1996 film written, directed and starring Billy Bob Thornton, about Karl Childers who has grown up in a mental institution after murdering his mother and another person. He returns to his home town and befriends a young boy named Frank (Lucas Black) as well as Frank's mother Linda (Natalie Canerday). However, Karl grows suspicious of Linda's hateful and disrespectful boyfriend Doyle (Dwight Yoakam). The film also features Robert Duvall and John Ritter.
California
Tons of films are made about California, since it is where the American movie industry is primarily located, but there are definitely some California-based films that have helped define our perceptions of this West Coast state. For a unique look at 1950s San Francisco, turn to the classic Hitchcock suspense film Vertigo, starring James Stewart, Kim Novak, and Barbara Bel Geddes. Amid the identity crisis ridden mystery, you will see beautiful glimpses of the Golden Gate Bridge, mighty Sequoia trees, and old Spanish missions. The 1974 Roman Polanski film Chinatown stars Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, and John Huston about a private detective who thinks he is trying to prove adultery and ends up working on a murder case that ties into the water supply of Los Angeles.
The classic film The Karate Kid is about California teen Daniel (Ralph Macchio) who seeks out the help of mystical handyman 
Silverstone made a name for herself as Cher.Mr. Miyagi (Pat Morita) to win the heart of Ali (Elisabeth Shue) and defeat her boyfriend's (Martin Kove) karate gang. Starring Steve Martin, L.A. Story is somewhat of a modern day fairy tale in which weatherman Harris (Martin) tries to win the heart of British reporter Sara (Victoria Tennant) who is baffled by the strange ways and strange people living in Los Angeles. The film also features the talents of Sarah Jessica Parker, Patrick Stewart, Iman, Chevy Chase, and Woody Harrelson. Perhaps the quintessential teen flick, Clueless redefined the 90s and teenspeak. Starring Alicia Silverstone as the fashion forward, sweethearted, but clueless rich girl Cher, the film follows Cher and her friends Dionne (Stacey Dash), Tai (Brittany Murphy), Murray (Donald Faison), Amber (Elisa Donovan), and stepbrother Josh (Paul Rudd) as they navigate the complex social world of teenagers growing up in Beverly Hills.
Silverstone made a name for herself as Cher.
So no matter what state you live in or would like to go, film has got you covered.
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